the brain injury ASSOCIATION of durham region

We support a dignified life for people affected by brain injury

About Brain Injury


Learn More about Brain Injury. Including Common symptoms & changes. After sustaining an ABI, many different symptoms or changes may be observed. While every Injury is unique, combinations of the following symptoms or changes are common.

About Us

Brain Injury Association of Durham Region (BIAD) is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization, whose members are people who have experienced brain injuries and their caregivers. We serve the Durham Region by providing non-medical resources and supports.

Application For Service

BIAD offers non-medical Brain Injury community support services. An application can be made by the individual (Self-referral) or Professionals (primary health care/community partners) by completing an Application for Services form.

About us

Decorative BIAD logo

Brain Injury Association of Durham Region (BIAD) is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization, whose members are people who have experienced brain injuries and their caregivers. We serve the Durham Region by providing non-medical resources and supports.

Our Mission:

We support a dignified life for people affected by brain injury.

Our Vision:

To be a leading partner driving change to ensure no one affected by a brain injury is left unsupported.

Women placing her thumb print under a large green BIAD logo on the wall/

Our Services

The Brain Injury Association of Durham Region provides a variety of supports for people of Durham Region who have experienced brain injuries.

Some of the supports we provide in include:

People sitting at tables at a BIAD event

Adult Day Program (ADP)

This program offers cognitive based programming along with social and recreational opportunities for individuals with Acquired Brain Injury to socialize and learn new skills. The program is constantly changing based on participant input. Below are the different options that the Adult Day Program provides.

Heather and Amy standing in green BIAD shirts in front of a display table with BIAD information

Community Support Program

The Community Support Program offers outreach services provided to support individuals who are affected by brain injury and who have the capability of living independently, or who are being supported by family / others in the community.

OBIA Affiliate Logo

Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program connects people with a Mentor who has lived experiences with an individual (Partner) who is also living with the effects of an acquired brain injury who requires the support whether they be a survivor or caregiver.

Bag with green BIAD logo and and food. Small calendar with a brain cartoon.

Supported Independent Living Program

The Supported independent living program by BIAD is specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals who have suffered a brain injury and require additional support to live independently.

Testimonials

“I Love that BIAD Has supported me during my brain injury recovery. I’m blessed to have community of good people. Thank you BIAD family.”

BIAD Client

“I want to say that the staff are so understanding and kind of our determination to get better, and be better. “

melanie

“BIAD gave me my life back. You are no longer alone.”

Deborah

I found myself

Victoria

Client Newsletter

BIAD News Central — a newsletter for clients, by clients. Download the latest issue now!

May – June
Issue

July – August
Issue

September – October
Issue

Join Our Team

Join Our Board of Directors – Make a Difference in the Lives of Brain Injury Survivors 
Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where your time and expertise make a real impact? Consider joining the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of Durham (BIAD) — a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with the effects of brain injury, as well as their families, caregivers, and communities. We are currently seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to express their interest in joining our Board, particularly individuals with experience in fundraising and/or healthcare/health services.

Latest News & Events

We have some amazing events coming up that you won’t want to miss!

When: Drop-in every Wednesday starting Oct 8th to Nov 19th

from 1pm – 3pm. No registration required!

Why: BIAD is participating in the Bowmanville Library’s Winter Market! We need your help to create items to be sold at the market. All proceeds from the Winter Market will go towards BIAD programs. All items to be sold at the market MUST be made here at BIAD. Join us each week to work on a new project!

Oct 8thBookmarks
Oct 15thJewelry
Oct 22ndMagnets
Oct 29thOrnsments
Nov 5thBath bombs
Nov 12thCard Making
Nov 19thCandles

Additional Items that can be made:

Knit and crochet items (hats, mitts, scarves, pot holders)

Artwork (to be approved by Ainsley)

Beyond Barriers Art Show- Call for Artists!

The Ajax Public Library and Town of Ajax are hosting the Beyond Barriers Art Show in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities — and we’re inviting our BIAD artists to take part!
This community art show celebrates creativity, resilience, and inclusion, featuring artwork created by people with disabilities on the theme: “No Limits.”

You can create your artwork at BIAD or at home. If you’d like it to be included in BIAD’s showcase, please make sure to submit it to BIAD by Friday, November 10th, 2025.

Eligibility:

  • One artwork submission per person.
  • Must be two-dimensional (pen, pencil, crayon, collage, paint, pastels, markers, or combinations).
  • Artwork should be on 8.5 x 11” paper or canvas (preferably in an envelope). Submissions not on the specified size will not be accepted.

Exhibit dates: December 1–19, 2025

Reception: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 — BIAD will be attending!

All participating artists will be entered to win one of three $50 Michaels gift cards!

For full details or to access the entry form, visit: https://ajaxlibrary.ca/art-shows

Halloween Party

Join Us for a Spooktacular Halloween Party!

Thursday, October 30th

11 AM – 4 PM

Location: BIAD Office

11 AM – 2 PM Games & Activities

12PM – 1 PM Lunch

2 PM – 4 PM Halloween Dance

Costumes Welcome!

Client & Family Advisory Committee

Our Mission

The Client & Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) is a partnership of clients, families, staff, and board members dedicated to ensuring an excellent client care experience at BIAD.

Our Purpose

  • Improve the client and family experience at BIAD
  • Provide feedback and recommendations to BIAD’s Board and management team
  • Ensure that the voices of clients and families help guide programs and services

What You’ll Gain

  • A chance to share your experiences and make a meaningful impact
  • Opportunities to collaborate with others who care about brain injury support
  • A role in shaping the future of BIAD programs and services

Interested in Joining?

If interested, please click below to complete our short registration form. Once submitted, we’ll connect with you to discuss next steps.

Your voice matters — together, we can make a difference!


From Impact to Insight:
A Brain Injury Case Review

Date: October 22nd

Join us for a dynamic and informative day focused on understanding the complexities of brain injury from a legal, medical, and caregiving perspective.

This unique event brings together legal experts, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to explore critical topics such as:
– Personal injury law
– Accident benefits
– Long-term disability claims
– Multidisciplinary care approaches
– Real-life case reviews and professional insights


Whether you’re a professional in the field or someone personally impacted by brain injury, this event offers valuable knowledge, connections, and community.


Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and gain insight—from impact to recovery.

Outreach Drop-In Services

What it is: Outreach Drop-In is a flexible, short-term support option for BIAD clients who do not have an assigned worker. These sessions provide help with immediate needs, quick questions, and simple applications — no appointment needed, just drop in during open hours.

Where:
BIAD Office — please register with reception when you arrive.
Who can use it:
* Active BIAD clients without an assigned worker
* Clients currently on the waitlist for a worker
* Individuals needing help with an Application for Service

This service is not for long-term case management or complex applications. It’s meant for quick support and short-term tasks only.

Other Drop-In Support

BIAD has partnered with other agencies to offer two drop-in supports for BIAD clients, right here at our office: These are open drop-in opportunities—no registration needed. Just come by and connect when you need support. Pinewood At BIAD & CMHA At BIAD. See our Calendar below for full details.

Monday, Oct 13

Monday, Oct 13

Upcoming ADP Programs

Please note: BIAD Programs and events are intended for our current clients. If you’re not yet a client and are interested in participating complete a service application or contact our office for more information.

Join Our Virtual Programs with the follow link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81203119474?pwd=ZXA5djZUbVhPKzhnbGdBM09TWDhEUT09

You can also enter the zoom meeting manually using the meeting ID and Passcode.

Meeting ID:812 0311 9474; Passcode:5132; Dial in: 855-703-8985


Register for In-Person Program with this link

https://form.jotform.com/222614915252250

or Call 905-723-2732

Monday, Oct 13

Monday, Oct 13

Application for Service

BIAD offers non-medical Brain Injury community support services. An application can be made by the individual (Self-referral) or Professionals (primary health care/community partners) by completing an Application for Services form.

To access this application please click this link https://biad.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023.03.22-BIAD-Applicaton-for-Service.pdf


BIAD follows the PHIPA guidelines and accepts applications via fax, mail, or in-person. To maintain confidentiality, please refrain from sending the application form via email.

If you require a paper copy of the form please contact us at intake@ceabi.ca or call us at 905-723-2732

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us to make a difference in the lives of those who are impacted by brain injuries. Your contribution has made it possible for us to continue to provide necessary resources, support and services to those in need. We value and appreciate your partnership and support.

Thank you to our Emerald Sponsor

Lerners Lawyers

Emerald Sponsor
Lerners Lawyers Our Emerald Sponsor

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